Its fruity scent is to die for and it eliminates…
Want a light drink, to drink every day, that is good for the body, the figure and lowers blood pressure? We have what you need. Maybe you have already passed by it at the supermarket without knowing its virtues. This drink is bissap. Does this name mean anything to you?
Bissap is a drink made from hibiscus flowers traditionally consumed by people of African culture. “Bissap comes mainly from West African countries, such as Senegal, Mali or Mauritania, Sophie Pihan, naturopath, tells us. It is also known in Egypt, Ivory Coast and Sudan. The flowers therefore come from the hibiscus, a tree that likes heat, which is why it flourishes in hot countries. In our European regions, the hibiscus looks more like a shrub.” It is one of the most thirst-quenching drinks that exist, which is why it is served cold or iced in hot countries. Hibiscus flower infusion is also consumed as a classic infusion, in a hot version. This drink takes different names depending on the consumer country: it is called “drink of the pharaohs” in Egypt, Bissap in Senegal or Zobo in Nigeria.
Hibiscus tea has a fruity and tangy aroma. A very fragrant herbal tea, the flowers color the water red, which is why it is sometimes called “pink tea” or “karkade tea”. It is attributed with several health benefits, particularly cardiovascular benefits. “Hibiscus infusion is known to regulate blood pressure, thanks to its draining properties and antioxidants.” Two studies Clinical studies, one in Iran and the other in Mexico, show that daily consumption of hibiscus sabdariffa significantly reduces blood pressure in hypertensive people. The richness in anthocyanins, responsible for the red color of the flowers, potentially confers additional benefits on cardiovascular health, by increasing the resistance of blood vessels and promoting blood fluidity.
The antioxidants and vitamin C contained in hibiscus help fight premature cellular aging in the body and maintain a healthy heart. Vitamin C helps stimulate the immune system, an interesting property at the beginning of winter. It has been shown in animal models that bissap also helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. “However, reducing the level of lipids in the blood has an impact on blood pressure.” adds Madame Sophie Pihan.
“Bissap is also a diuretic: it increases diuresis, that is to say the production of urine. The resulting effect is the elimination of a greater number of toxins through urine. An antioxidant and draining plant is therefore the winning combination in cases of hypertension.” emphasizes the naturopath. Bissap has the advantage of being suitable for almost everyone. “Hibiscus tea has few contraindications, apart from hypotension, as it tends to lower blood pressure. It does not present any danger in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is authorized for children from 6 years old.” In fact, it is a nutritious plant which has certain nutritional interests, with the presence of minerals such as antioxidants.
There are as many recipes as there are countries the drink comes from. Our naturopath recommends adding two generous handfuls of dried flowers to a liter of boiling bottled water. “You can let it steep overnight to drink it cold or enjoy it quickly as a hot infusion.” You can garnish the bissap with a pinch of ginger, which has digestive properties. Ginger brings a spicy side to the drink. If you like sweet infusions, add a teaspoon of honey, once the water has cooled, so as not to alter the properties of the latter. “Bissap is an alternative drink that allows you to get rid of sugary drinks like sodas or to motivate yourself to drink more water. In children, diluted in a little more water, it can be used like a grenadine” concludes our expert.
Thanks to Sophie Pihan, naturopath and communications manager of the French Federation of Naturopathy (FENA).